I agree that his RatDog tone is killer, the two Oldfield (?) amps, a much more real tone, no Digi Eleven modeling. Bob's tech AJ did tell me that the Black Box is still in the setup after the wireless receiver that Bob insists on it, but I didn't see it either when I was at soundcheck. So maybe it's tucked in a rack or something, not sure where it is.

It may be there somewhere, however, he really doesn't have a rack. Looks like a digi modeler on the floor and possibly some other stomp like devices straight into the two amps, which by the way, are marked red and blue as if there's something different about them. Maybe they receive different signals?

Anyone know AJ? It looks like a very simple setup to relocate, if we know the details.

There was the very early Black Box from 10 years ago. Then about 6 years ago we made the chassis smaller/flatter. Soon after that we converted the circuit to 12AX7 from 12AU7. It's really been the same thing for about 6 years now. Weir has had his for about 4 years. He's purchased two more since that first one. Sonically, they really haven't changed much.

that does make me want to write AJ and see if there's another one up there somewhere. That one does look like it's on the pathway to the Fishman input...

Previously with Furthur, the SGBB was wired up in the back of his main rack with the Digi Eleven right before the Eleven and right after his Lehle switcher. Bob owns 3 Black Boxes and also does use them on acoustic. I'll see what I can find out.

mkaufman wrote:And by the way: if Bobby had a buffer in his guitar, would he need the SGBB?

I think it is tube preamp he uses to allow his signal to see the tube before his solid state or digital gear. This gives him a good tubey feeling to his amp/gear. The buffer onboard the guitar would help with the signal loss from the guitar to the SGBB.

So I think the answer is Yes, he would still need both.

~mike

Disclaimer: I make and sell Buffers. I also sometimes Modify, Build and sell preamps and amplifiers. My opinions are not intended to be sales pitches. I am a one man shop and prefer to spend time with my wife and family, i work full time on call and love to spend my spare time doing other things. I only make, modify or build things for those that seek them.

The best way to get the most tubeyness out of the Black Box is if it's the first device. But many people use it with buffered guitars so the Black Box isn't first. It still imparts quite a bit though. Even in Weir's electric Furthur rig, he has a buffer right at his guitars via the wireless transmitter. Then the reciever, and then to the Black Box. Not ideal, but still helps. It's not magic, it's simply the tube thing done very cleanly and quietly. Tubes rule.